Botanical Garden Founder

Rhonda Gracie is the Horticulturist and founder of the University of North Florida Botanical Garden, where she leads landscape stewardship, educational programming, volunteer engagement, and native plant initiatives. She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Horticultural Society and has received numerous professional recognitions, including the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association’s Outstanding Educator of the Year Award and the 2026 Florida Native Plant Society Garden of Excellence Award. Her work bridges landscape design, horticulture, and long-term management to help ensure landscapes remain functional, sustainable, and resilient over time.

Rhonda has a BS degree in Architectural Studies, Florida International University and a degree in Parks and Recreation Maintenance Management, North Carolina State University.